Agreement number: […] Model framework partnership agreement for actions – budget based - May 2014
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Education, Audiovisual And Culture Executive Agency
Creative Europe : Culture
FRAMEWORK PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
FOR ACTION GRANTS
FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT NUMBER – […]
Support for European Networks
The Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (hereinafter referred to as "the
Agency"), acting under powers delegated by the European Commission (hereinafter referred to as “the
Commission”), represented for the purposes of signature of this Framework partnership agreement by
Mr/Ms [forename and surname], Head of Unit [..],
on the one part,
and
[full official name] [ACRONYM]
[official legal status or form]
[official registration No]
[official address in full]
[VAT number],
hereinafter referred to as “the partner”, represented for the purposes of signature of this Framework
partnership agreement by [function, forename and surname]
on the other part,
HAVE AGREED
to the Special Conditions (hereinafter referred to as “the Special Conditions”) and the following
Annexes:
Annex I Action plan
Annex II General Conditions (hereinafter referred to as “the General Conditions”)
Annex III Model specific grant agreement
Annex IV Model technical report
Annex V Model financial statement
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Annex VI List of supporting documents
or Guidance notes – Report of Factual Findings on the Final Financial Report – Type I
Annex VII Model terms of reference for the operational verification report: not applicable
which form an integral part of this Framework partnership agreement, hereinafter referred to as "the
Framework agreement".
The terms set out in the Special Conditions, of which the Preamble forms an integral part, shall take
precedence over those set out in the Annexes.
The terms of Annex II "General Conditions" shall take precedence over the other Annexes.
PREAMBLE
The Agency is responsible for implementing the Union programme in the field on Regulation No
1295/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing the
Creative Europe Programme (2014-2020) and its corrigendum of 27/06/2014.
For the purposes of implementing this Union programme, the Agency has selected one or more
partners engaged in the area of activity concerned, with which it shares common general objectives
and wishes to establish a relationship of lasting cooperation.
The general objectives which it shares with [name of the partner signatory of the Framework
agreement] the above-mentioned area of activity and which justify the establishment of a partnership
are the following:
The main objectives of the support for European Networks are:
- supporting actions providing cultural and creative players with skills, competences and
know-how, including encouraging adaptation to digital technologies, testing innovative
approaches to audience development and testing of new business and management
models;
- supporting actions enabling cultural and creative players to cooperate internationally and
to internationalise their careers and activities in the Union and beyond when possible on
the basis of long-term strategies;
- providing support to strengthen European cultural and creative organisations and
international networking.
The support to European networks is intended to have a structuring effect on players in the cultural
and creative sectors. Therefore, a limited number of networks with broad coverage will be supported
across a balanced range of sub-sectors. Greater synergies between existing networks in order to
reinforce their organisational and financial structure and avoid duplication of efforts would be
welcomed, where feasible.
When the activities include work with players from outside the EU or activities outside the EU, the
project should be in line with the Joint Communication "Towards an EU strategy for international
cultural relations"
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SPECIAL CONDITIONS
ARTICLE I.1 – SUBJECT MATTER OF THE FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT AWARD OF
SPECIFIC GRANTS
I.1.1 Subject matter of the Framework agreement
I.1.1.1 The Framework agreement is concluded as part of a long-term cooperation between the
Agency and the partner (hereinafter referred to as "the partnership") with the aim to contribute
to the objectives of the Union programme in the field of support to European Networks as
referred to in the Preamble.
The Framework agreement defines the general rights and obligations of the parties in
implementing their partnership.
I.1.1.2 The partnership shall be implemented in compliance with the Action plan set out in Annex I.
I.1.1.3 For the purposes of implementing the partnership the Agency may award to the partner
specific grants for an action.
The Framework agreement shall apply to any specific grant awarded for implementation of
the partnership and to the respective specific grant agreements (hereinafter referred to as
"Specific agreements") concluded between the parties.
Signature of the Framework agreement shall not give rise to any obligation of the Agency to
award specific grants. It shall be without prejudice to the partner's participation in other calls
for proposals for the purposes of award of grants outside the scope of the Action plan set out
in Annex I.
I.1.2 Procedure for award of specific grants
Consultation at the Agency's initiative
The Agency may consult its partner in order to obtain a proposal for an action in line with the Action
plan set out in Annex I. Such consultation shall take place on the basis of a call for proposals open to
all the partners for which this type of activity is included in the Action plan set out in Annex I. The
call for proposals shall define the award criteria to be applied. The partner shall not be obliged to
submit a proposal in response to such a consultation.
I.1.3 Conclusion of Specific agreements
Where the Agency decides to award a specific grant, it shall propose to the partner to sign a Specific
agreement in accordance with the model set out in Annex III. The Specific agreement shall be signed
by the authorized representatives of the parties.
By signing the Specific agreement, the partner shall agree to carry out the action acting on its own
responsibility in accordance with the terms and conditions laid down in the Framework agreement and
the Specific agreement.
Specific agreements shall be signed before the date when the Framework agreement expires. Where
the actions are carried out after the above-mentioned date, the terms of the Framework agreement
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shall continue to apply to the implementation of the Specific agreements governed by the Framework
agreement.
ARTICLE I.2 – ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT AND
DURATION OF THE PARTERNSHIP
I.2.1 The Framework agreement shall enter into force on the date on which the last party signs.
I.2.2 The Framework agreement shall be concluded for a period of four years starting from the date
of its entry into force.
ARTICLE I.3 - DATA CONTROLLER AND COMMUNICATION DETAILS OF THE
PARTIES
I.3.1 Data controller
The entity acting as a data controller according to Article II.6 shall be the person who is representing
the Agency for the purposes of the signature of this Agreement.
I.3.2 Communication details of the Agency
Any communication addressed to the Agency shall be sent to the following address:
Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency
Unit B1
Office SPA2 01/046
Rue de Spa, 2
1000 Brussels
BELGIUM
E-mail address: EACEA-CREATIVE –[email protected]
I.3.3 Communication details of the partner
Any communication from the Agency to the partner shall be sent to the following address:
[Full name]
[Function]
[Name of the entity]
[Full official address]
E-mail address: [complete]
ARTICLE I.4 –SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES WITH A NON EU PARTNER
By derogation from Article II.18.2, where the partner is legally established in a country other than a
Member State of the European Union (the 'non EU partner'), the Agency and/or the Union and/or the
non EU partner may bring before the Courts of Brussels any dispute between the Agency and/or the
Union and the non EU partner concerning the interpretation, application or validity of the Framework
agreement and any Specific agreement, if such dispute cannot be settled amicably. In such case where
one party (i.e. the Agency, the Union or the non EU partner) has brought proceedings before the
Courts of Brussels concerning the interpretation, application or validity of the Framework agreement
and any Specific agreement, the other party may not bring a claim arising from the interpretation,
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application or validity of the Framework agreement and the Specific agreement in any other court
than the Courts of Brussels already seized.
ARTICLE I.5 - OTHER SPECIAL CONDITIONS
I.5.1 – CREATIVE EUROPE – CULTURE SUB-PROGRAMME GUIDELINES
The financial rules indicated in the Creative Europe Culture Sub-programme guidelines of the Call for
Proposals under which the action was selected are applicable. In this respect the following Internet
address shall be consulted:
https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe/funding
I.5.2 – ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS ON AWARD OF CONTRACTS AND
SUBCONTRACTING
In addition to the provisions set out in Article II.9 and Article II.10, where the value of a contract
awarded in accordance with those Articles exceeds EUR 60.000, the partner shall, abide by the
following rules:
National rules with regard to procurement apply.
The partner must also clearly document the tendering procedure, submit a copy of the relevant
documents together with the final report at the end of the action and retain the documentation
for the event of an audit.
Costs are based on a verifiable estimate or on the basis of an offer.
Subcontracting shall concern only supporting activities. The partner remains legally and financially
responsible for the project. The partner remains liable for the conception and the development of the
project, the attainments of its objectives, the implementation of the action and the use of appropriate
tools.
I.5.3 – SPECIAL PROVISIONS ON THE CONVERSION OF COSTS INCURRED IN
ANOTHER CURRENCY INTO EURO
By way of derogation from Article II.23.4, any conversion into euro of costs incurred in other
currencies shall be made by the partner at the monthly accounting rate established by the Commission
and published on its website
(http://ec.europa.eu/budget/contracts_grants/info_contracts/inforeuro/inforeuro_en.cfm) applicable on
the first month of the eligibility period specified in the Article 2.2 of each Specific Grant Agreement.
I.5.4 – PUBLICITY
(a) For the purpose of application of Article II.7 of the agreement, relating to the visibility of
European Union funding, the partner shall use the logo and follow the instructions available at
the following Internet website address:
http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/about/eacea_logos_en.php
(b) Obligations of the partner
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Information requirements: In conformity with Article II.7 the partner shall inform the public,
press and media of the action (internet included) by the following means (graphic logo and
mention):
Visibility activities: "With the support of the Creative Europe Programme of the European
Union" accompanied by the European flag".
Publications: "This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and
the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made
of the information contained therein."
The translation of this phrase can be found at the following Internet website address:
http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/education_culture/publ/graphics/beneficiary_all.pdf
Where the action, or part of the action, is a publication, the mention and graphic logos shall
appear on the cover or the first pages following the editor's mention.
Use of signs and posters: If the action includes events for the public, signs and posters related
to this action shall be displayed. This shall include the logos mentioned under point a).
Authorisation to use the logos described in point a) implies no right of exclusive use and is
limited to this agreement. If the action is co-financed, the importance given to the above-
mentioned publicity must be in proportion with the level of Union financing.
(c) The Agency shall consider this publicity obligation, foreseen in this article and in Article
II.7.1, as a "substantial obligation" within the meaning of Article II.16.2.2 point b) of the
Framework Agreement.
I.10.5 – DISSEMINATION AND EXPLOITATION OF RESULTS
The partner of grants under the Creative Europe Culture Sub-programme has the duty to ensure that
the work undertaken within the framework of this Framework Partnership Grant Agreement and the
results accruing from it receive substantial visibility. He must pay specific attention to the importance
of a strong strategy for communication and dissemination of their activities and results, exploitation of
results of the action and to their visibility at a transnational level.
I.10.6 – MEETING
Representatives of the partner organisation involved in the action are expected to participate in
meetings organised by the Agency, i.e. indicatively up to two meetings per year. The expenses for
participation are eligible costs and are covered by the project budget.
I.10.7 – PENALITIES IN THE CASE OF NON_COMPLIANCE WITH THE PUBLICITY
OBLIGATION
The obligation to comply with the publicity provision set out in Article II.7 constitutes a substantial
obligation. Without prejudice to the right to terminate the grant, in case of failure to fulfil this
obligation, the Agency may apply a 20% reduction of the grant initially provided for.
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SIGNATURES
For the partner For the Agency
[function/ forename / surname] [forename /surname]
Head of Unit
[signature] [signature]
Done at [place], [date] Done at Brussels, [date]
In duplicate in English
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ANNEX I
ACTION PLAN
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ANNEX II
GENERAL CONDITIONS
TABLE OF CONTENT
PART A – LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
II.1 – GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTNER
II.2 – COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE PARTIES
II.3 – LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES
II.4 – CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
II.5 – CONFIDENTIALITY
II.6 – PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA
II.7 – VISIBILITY OF UNION FUNDING
II.8 – PRE-EXISTING RIGHTS AND OWNERSHIP AND USE OF THE RESULTS (INCLUDING
INTELLECTUAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY RIGHTS)
II.9 – AWARD OF CONTRACTS NECESSARY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ACTION
II.10 – SUBCONTRACTING OF TASKS FORMING PART OF AN ACTION
II.11 – FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THIRD PARTIES
II.12 – AMENDMENTS TO THE FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT AND THE SPECIFIC
AGREEMENTS
II.13 – ASSIGNMENT OF CLAIMS FOR PAYMENTS TO THIRD PARTIES
II.14 – FORCE MAJEURE
II.15 – SUSPENSION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION
II.16 – TERMINATION OF THE FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT AND THE SPECIFIC
AGREEMENTS
II.17 – ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL PENALTIES
II.18 – APPLICABLE LAW, SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES AND ENFORCEABLE DECISION
PART B – FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
II.19 – ELIGIBLE COSTS
II.20 – IDENTIFIABILITY AND VERIFIABILITY OF THE AMOUNTS DECLARED
II.21 – ELIGIBILITY OF COSTS OF ENTITIES AFFILIATED TO THE PARTNER
II.22 – BUDGET TRANSFERS
II.23 – TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL REPORTING – REQUESTS FOR PAYMENT AND
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
II.24 – PAYMENTS AND PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS
II.25 – DETERMINING THE FINAL AMOUNT OF A SPECIFIC GRANT
II.26 – RECOVERY
II.27 – CHECKS, AUDITS AND EVALUATION
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PART A – LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE II.1 – GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTNER
The partner shall:
(a) respect the common general objectives that formed the basis for establishing the partnership, as
mentioned in the Preamble and in the Action plan set out in Annex I, and endeavour to achieve in
practice those objectives in each action for which a specific grant is awarded;
(b) maintain relations of mutual co-operation and regular and transparent exchanges of information
with the Agency on the implementation and the follow-up to implementation of the Action plan set
out in Annex I and of any specific grant awarded by the Agency under the Framework agreement,
as well as on other matters of common interest related to the Framework agreement;
(c) be responsible for complying with any legal obligations incumbent on it;
(d) be responsible for carrying out the actions, for which specific grants were awarded, in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the Framework agreement and the Specific
agreements;
(e) inform the Agency immediately of any change in the legal, financial, technical, organisational
or ownership situation of itself or its affiliated entities and of any change in the name, address or
legal representative of itself or its affiliated entities;
(f) inform the Agency immediately of any change likely to affect or delay the implementation of
an action, for which a specific grant was awarded, of which the partner is aware.
ARTICLE II.2 – COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE PARTIES
II.2.1 Form and means of communications
Any communication relating to the Framework agreement or a Specific agreement or to their
implementation shall be made in writing (in paper or electronic form), shall bear the number of the
agreement concerned and shall be made using the communication details identified in Article I.3.
Electronic communications shall be confirmed by an original signed paper version of that
communication if requested by any of the parties provided that this request is submitted without
unjustified delay. The sender shall send the original signed paper version without unjustified delay.
Formal notifications shall be made by registered mail with return receipt or equivalent, or by
equivalent electronic means.
II.2.2 Date of communications
Any communication is deemed to have been made when it is received by the receiving party, unless
the Framework agreement or the Specific agreement refer to the date when the communication was
sent.
Electronic communication is deemed to have been received by the receiving party on the day of
successful dispatch of that communication, provided that it is sent to the addressees listed in Article
I.3. Dispatch shall be deemed unsuccessful if the sending party receives a message of non-delivery. In
this case, the sending party shall immediately send again such communication to any of the other
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addresses listed in Article I.3. In case of unsuccessful dispatch, the sending party shall not be held in
breach of its obligation to send such communication within a specified deadline.
Mail sent to the Agency using the postal services is considered to have been received by the Agency
on the date on which it is registered by the department identified in Article I.3.2.
Formal notifications made by registered mail with return receipt or equivalent, or by equivalent
electronic means, shall be considered to have been received by the receiving party on the date of
receipt indicated on the return receipt or equivalent.
ARTICLE II.3 – LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES
II.3.1 The Agency shall not be held liable for any damage caused or sustained by the partner,
including any damage caused to third parties as a consequence of or during the
implementation of an action.
II.3.2 Except in cases of force majeure, the partner shall compensate the Agency for any damage
sustained by it as a result of the implementation of an action or because an action was not
implemented or implemented poorly, partially or late.
ARTICLE II.4 - CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
II.4.1 The partner shall take all necessary measures to prevent any situation where the impartial and
objective implementation of the Framework agreement or the Specific agreements is
compromised for reasons involving economic interest, political or national affinity, family or
emotional ties or any other shared interest (“conflict of interests”).
II.4.2 Any situation constituting or likely to lead to a conflict of interests during the implementation
of the Framework agreement or the Specific agreements shall be notified to the Agency, in
writing, without delay. The partner shall immediately take all the necessary steps to rectify
this situation. The Agency reserves the right to verify that the measures taken are appropriate
and may require additional measures to be taken within a specified deadline.
ARTICLE II.5 – CONFIDENTIALITY
II.5.1 The Agency and the partner shall preserve the confidentiality of any information and
documents, in any form, which are disclosed in writing or orally in relation to the
implementation of the Framework agreement or the Specific agreements and which are
explicitly indicated in writing as confidential.
II.5.2 The partner shall not use confidential information and documents for any reason other than
fulfilling its obligations under the Framework agreement and the Specific agreements, unless
otherwise agreed with the Agency in writing.
II.5.3 The Agency and the partner shall be bound by the obligations referred to in Articles II.5.1 and
II.5.2 during the implementation of the Framework agreement and the Specific agreements
and for a period of five years starting from the payment of the balance under the Specific
agreement concerned, unless:
(a) the concerned party agrees to release the other party from the confidentiality obligations
earlier;
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(b) the confidential information becomes public through other means than in breach of the
confidentiality obligation through disclosure by the party bound by that obligation;
(c) the disclosure of the confidential information is required by law.
ARTICLE II.6 – PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA
II.6.1 Processing of personal data by the Agency
Any personal data included in the Framework agreement and the Specific agreements shall be
processed by the Agency pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and the
Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of
personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data.
Such data shall be processed by the data controller identified in Article I.3.1 solely for the purposes of
the implementation, management and monitoring of the Framework agreement and the Specific
agreements, without prejudice to possible transmission to the bodies charged with the monitoring or
inspection tasks in application of Union law.
The partner shall have the right of access to his/her personal data and the right to rectify any such
data. Should the partner have any queries concerning the processing of his/her personal data, he/she
shall address them to the data controller, identified in Article I.3.1.
The partner shall have the right of recourse at any time to the European Data Protection Supervisor.
II.6.2 Processing of personal data by the partner
Where the Framework agreement or the Specific agreement require the processing of personal data by
the partner, the partner may act only under the supervision of the data controller identified in Article
I.3.1, in particular with regard to the purpose of the processing, the categories of data which may be
processed, the recipients of the data and the means by which the data subject may exercise his or her
rights.
The access to data that the partner grants to its personnel shall be limited to the extent strictly
necessary for the implementation, management and monitoring of the Framework agreement and the
Specific agreements.
The partner undertakes to adopt appropriate technical and organisational security measures having
regard to the risks inherent in the processing and to the nature of the personal data concerned, in order
to:
(a) prevent any unauthorised person from gaining access to computer systems processing personal
data, and especially:
(i) unauthorised reading, copying, alteration or removal of storage media;
(ii) unauthorised data input as well as any unauthorised disclosure, alteration or erasure of
stored personal data;
(iii) unauthorised persons from using data-processing systems by means of data transmission
facilities;
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(b) ensure that authorised users of a data-processing system can access only the personal data to
which their access right refers;
(c) record which personal data have been communicated, when and to whom;
(d) ensure that personal data being processed on behalf of third parties can be processed only in the
manner prescribed by the Agency;
(e) ensure that, during communication of personal data and transport of storage media, the data
cannot be read, copied or erased without authorisation;
(f) design its organisational structure in such a way that it meets data protection requirements.
ARTICLE II.7 – VISIBILITY OF UNION FUNDING
II.7.1 Information on Union funding and use of European Union emblem
Unless the Agency requests or agrees otherwise, any communication or publication related to an
action, made by the partner, including at conferences, seminars or in any information or promotional
materials (such as brochures, leaflets, posters, presentations, etc.), shall indicate that the action has
received funding from the Union and shall display the European Union emblem.
When displayed in association with another logo, the European Union emblem must have appropriate
prominence.
The obligation to display the European Union emblem does not confer to the partner a right of
exclusive use. The partner shall not appropriate the European Union emblem or any similar trademark
or logo, either by registration or by any other means.
For the purposes of the first, second and third subparagraphs and under the conditions specified
therein, the partner is exempted from the obligation to obtain prior permission from the Agency to use
the European Union emblem.
II.7.2 Disclaimers excluding Agency and Commission responsibility
Any communication or publication related to an action, made by the partner in any form and using
any means, shall indicate that it reflects only the author's view and that the Agency and the
Commission are not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.
ARTICLE II.8 – PRE-EXISTING RIGHTS AND OWNERSHIP AND USE OF THE RESULTS
(INCLUDING INTELLECTUAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY RIGHTS)
II.8.1 Ownership of the results by the partner
Unless stipulated otherwise in the Specific agreement, ownership of the results of an action, including
industrial and intellectual property rights, and of the reports and other documents relating to it, shall
be vested in the partner.
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II.8.2 Pre-existing industrial and intellectual property rights
Where industrial and intellectual property rights, including rights of third parties, exist prior to the
conclusion of the Specific agreement, the partner shall establish a list which shall specify all rights of
ownership and use of the pre-existing industrial and intellectual property rights and disclose it to the
Agency at the latest before the commencement of implementation.
The partner shall ensure that it or its affiliated entities have all the rights to use any pre-existing
industrial and intellectual property rights during the implementation of the Specific agreement.
II.8.3 Rights of use of the results and of pre-existing rights by the Agency and/or the Union
Without prejudice to Articles II.1, II.3 and II.8.1, the partner grants the Agency and/or the Union the
right to use the results of an action for the following purposes:
(a) use for its own purposes, and in particular, making available to persons working for the
Agency, the Union institutions, agencies and bodies and to Member States' institutions, as well
as, copying and reproducing in whole or in part and in unlimited number of copies;
(b) distribution to the public, and in particular, publication in hard copies and in electronic or
digital format, publication on the internet, including on the Europa website, as a downloadable
or non-downloadable file, broadcasting by any kind of technique of transmission, public display
or presentation, communication through press information services, inclusion in widely
accessible databases or indexes;
(c) translation;
(d) giving access upon individual requests without the right to reproduce or exploit, as provided for
by Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May
2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents;
(e) storage in paper, electronic or other format;
(f) archiving in line with the document management rules applicable to the Agency and/or the
Commission;
(g) rights to authorise or sub-licence the modes of exploitation set out in points (b) and (c) to third
parties.
Additional rights of use for the Agency and/or the Union may be provided for in the Specific
agreement.
The partner shall warrant that the Agency and/or the Union has the right to use any pre-existing
industrial and intellectual property rights, which have been included in the results of an action. Unless
specified otherwise in the Specific agreement, those pre-existing rights shall be used for the same
purposes and under the same conditions applicable to the rights of use of the results of the action.
Information about the copyright owner shall be inserted when the result is divulged by the Agency
and/or the Union. The copyright information shall read: "© – year – name of the copyright owner. All
rights reserved. Licenced to the European Union under conditions.".
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ARTICLE II.9 – AWARD OF CONTRACTS NECESSARY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION
OF AN ACTION
II.9.1 Where the implementation of an action requires the procurement of goods, works or services,
the partner shall award the contract to the tender offering best value for money or, as
appropriate, to the tender offering the lowest price. In doing so, it shall avoid any conflict of
interests.
A partner acting in its capacity of a contracting authority within the meaning of Directive
2004/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on the
coordination of procedures for the award of public work contracts, public supply contracts
and public service contracts or a contracting entity within the meaning of Directive
2004/17/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 coordinating
the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal
services sectors shall abide by the applicable national public procurement rules.
II.9.2 The partner shall retain sole responsibility for carrying out the action concerned and for
compliance with the provisions of the Framework agreement and the Specific agreement. The
partner shall ensure that any procurement contract contains provisions stipulating that the
contractor has no rights vis-à-vis the Agency under the Framework agreement or the Specific
agreement.
II.9.3. The partner shall ensure that the conditions applicable to it under Articles II.3, II.4, II.5, II.8
and II.27 are also applicable to the contractor.
ARTICLE II.10 – SUBCONTRACTING OF TASKS FORMING PART OF AN ACTION
II.10.1 A "subcontract" is a procurement contract within the meaning of Article II.9, which covers
the implementation by a third party of tasks forming part of an action as described in Annex
I of a Specific agreement.
II.10.2 The partner may subcontract tasks forming part of an action, provided that, in addition to the
conditions specified in Article II.9 and the Special Conditions, the following conditions are
complied with:
(a) subcontracting only covers the implementation of a limited part of the action;
(b) recourse to subcontracting is justified having regard to the nature of the action and what
is necessary for its implementation;
(c) the estimated costs of the subcontracting are clearly identifiable in the estimated budget
set out in Annex II of the Specific agreement;
(d) any recourse to subcontracting, if not provided for in Annex I of the Specific
agreement, is communicated by the partner and approved by the Agency without
prejudice to Article II.12.2;
(e) the partner ensures that the conditions applicable to it under Article II.7 are also
applicable to the subcontractor.
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ARTICLE II.11 - FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THIRD PARTIES
II.11.1 Where the implementation of an action requires giving financial support to third parties, the
partner shall give such financial support in accordance with the conditions specified in
Annex I of the Specific agreement, which shall at least contain:
(a) the maximum amount of financial support, which shall not exceed EUR 60 000 for
each third party except where the financial support is the primary aim of the action as
specified in Annex I of the Specific agreement;
(b) the criteria for determining the exact amount of the financial support;
(c) the different types of activity that may receive financial support, on the basis of a fixed
list;
(d) the definition of the persons or categories of persons which may receive financial
support;
(e) the criteria for giving the financial support.
II.11.2 By way of derogation from Article II.11.1, in case the financial support takes the form of a
prize, the partner shall give such financial support in accordance with the conditions
specified in Annex I of the Specific agreement, which shall at least contain:
(a) the conditions for participation;
(b) the award criteria;
(c) the amount of the prize;
(d) the payment arrangements.
II.11.3 The partner shall ensure that the conditions applicable to it under Articles II.3, II.4, II.5, II.7,
II.8 and II.27 are also applicable to the third parties receiving financial support.
ARTICLE II.12 – AMENDMENTS TO THE FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT AND THE
SPECIFIC AGREEMENTS
II.12.1 Any amendment to the Framework agreement or a Specific agreement shall be made in
writing.
II.12.2 An amendment may not have the purpose or the effect of making changes to the Framework
agreement or the Specific agreement which would call into question the Agency's decision
to establish the framework partnership or to award the specific grant or which would be
contrary to the equal treatment of applicants.
II.12.3 Any request for amendment shall be duly justified and shall be sent to the other party in due
time before it is due to take effect, and, as far as Specific agreements are concerned, at the
latest one month before the end of the period set out in Article 2.2 of the Specific agreement,
except in cases duly substantiated by the party requesting the amendment and accepted by
the other party.
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II.12.4 Amendments shall enter into force on the date on which the last party signs or on the date of
approval of the request for amendment.
Amendments shall take effect on a date agreed by the parties or, in the absence of such an
agreed date, on the date on which the amendment enters into force.
ARTICLE II.13 – ASSIGNMENT OF CLAIMS FOR PAYMENTS TO THIRD PARTIES
II.13.1 Claims for payments of the partner against the Agency may not be assigned to third parties,
except in duly justified cases where the situation warrants it.
The assignment shall only be enforceable against the Agency if it has accepted the
assignment on the basis of a written and reasoned request to that effect made by the partner.
In the absence of such an acceptance, or in the event of failure to observe the terms thereof,
the assignment shall have no effect on the Agency.
II.13.2 In no circumstances shall such an assignment release the partner from its obligations
towards the Agency.
ARTICLE II.14 – FORCE MAJEURE
II.14.1 "Force majeure" shall mean any unforeseeable exceptional situation or event beyond the
parties' control, which prevents either of them from fulfilling any of their obligations under
the Framework agreement or a Specific agreement, which was not attributable to error or
negligence on their part or on the part of subcontractors, affiliated entities or third parties
involved in the implementation and which proves to be inevitable in spite of exercising all
due diligence. Any default of a service, defect in equipment or material or delays in making
them available, unless they stem directly from a relevant case of force majeure, as well as
labour disputes, strikes or financial difficulties cannot be invoked as force majeure.
II.14.2 A party faced with force majeure shall formally notify the other party without delay, stating
the nature, likely duration and foreseeable effects.
II.14.3 The parties shall take the necessary measures to limit any damage due to force majeure.
They shall do their best to resume the implementation of the action as soon as possible.
II.14.4 The party faced with force majeure shall not be held to be in breach of its obligations under
the Framework agreement or a Specific agreement if it has been prevented from fulfilling
them by force majeure.
ARTICLE II.15 – SUSPENSION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION
II.15.1 Suspension of the implementation of an action by the partner
The partner may suspend the implementation of an action or any part thereof, if exceptional
circumstances make such implementation impossible or excessively difficult, in particular in the event
of force majeure. The partner shall inform the Agency without delay, giving all the necessary reasons
and details and the foreseeable date of resumption.
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Unless the Specific agreement is terminated in accordance with Article II.16.1 or points (b) or (c) of
Article II.16.2.2, the partner shall, once the circumstances allow resuming the implementation of the
action, inform the Agency immediately and present a request for amendment of the Specific
agreement as provided for in Article II.15.3.2.
II.15.2 Suspension of the implementation by the Agency
II.15.2.1 The Agency may suspend the implementation of an action or any part thereof or the
implementation of the Framework agreement:
(a) if the Agency has evidence that the partner has committed substantial errors,
irregularities or fraud in the award procedure or in the implementation of the
Framework agreement or the Specific agreements or if the partner fails to comply
with its obligations under those agreements;
(b) if the Agency has evidence that the partner has committed systemic or recurrent
errors, irregularities, fraud or breach of obligations under other grants funded by
the Union or the European Atomic Energy Community which were awarded to the
partner under similar conditions, provided that those errors, irregularities, fraud or
breach of obligations have a material impact on one or more specific grants
awarded under the Framework agreement; or
(c) if the Agency suspects substantial errors, irregularities, fraud or breach of
obligations committed by the partner in the award procedure or in the
implementation of the Framework agreement or the Specific agreements and needs
to verify whether they have actually occurred.
II.15.2.2 The implementation of each action for which a specific grant has been awarded is
deemed automatically suspended from the date on which the suspension of the
implementation of the Framework agreement takes effect.
II.15.2.3 Before suspending the implementation the Agency shall formally notify the partner of its
intention to suspend, specifying the reasons thereof, and, in the cases referred to in points
(a) and (b) of Article II.15.2.1, the necessary conditions for resuming the
implementation. The partner shall be invited to submit observations within 30 calendar
days from receipt of this notification.
If, after examination of the observations submitted by the partner, the Agency decides to
stop the suspension procedure, it shall formally notify the partner thereof.
If no observations have been submitted or if, despite the observations submitted by the
partner, the Agency decides to pursue the suspension procedure, it may suspend the
implementation by formally notifying the partner thereof, specifying the reasons for the
suspension and, in the cases referred to in points (a) and (b) of Article II.15.2.1, the
definitive conditions for resuming the implementation or, in the case referred to in point
(c) of Article II.15.2.1, the indicative date of completion of the necessary verification.
The suspension shall take effect on the day of the receipt of the notification by the
partner or on a later date, where the notification so provides.
In order to resume the implementation of the Framework agreement or the action, the
partner shall endeavour to meet the notified conditions as soon as possible and shall
inform the Agency of any progress made in this respect.
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Unless the Framework agreement or the Specific agreement is terminated in accordance
with Article II.16.1 or points (b), (h) or (i) of Article II.16.2.2, the Agency shall, as soon
as it considers that the conditions for resuming the implementation have been met or the
necessary verification, including on-the-spot checks, has been carried out, formally
notify the partner thereof and invite the partner to present a request for amendment of
the Specific agreement concerned, as provided for in Article II.15.3.2 or, where
applicable, lay down the necessary adaptations of the Framework agreement, on which
the parties need to agree in accordance with Article II.15.3.1.
II.15.3 Effects of the suspension
II.15.3.1 If the Framework agreement is not terminated, it may be adapted to the new implementing
conditions in accordance with Article II.12. Such an amendment shall not have as a
purpose or effect to extend the period set out in Article I.2.2.
The suspension of the implementation of the Framework agreement and of all
automatically suspended actions in accordance with Article II.15.2.2 is deemed lifted as
from the date of the notification by the Agency referred to in the sixth subparagraph of
Article II.15.2.3. In this case Article II.15.3.2 shall not apply.
II.15.3.2 If the implementation of a suspended action can be resumed and the Specific agreement is
not terminated, an amendment to the Specific agreement shall be made in accordance
with Article II.12 in order to establish the date on which the action shall be resumed, to
extend the duration of the action and to make any other modifications that may be
necessary to adapt the action to the new implementing conditions.
The suspension of the implementation of the action is deemed lifted as from the date of
resumption of the action agreed by the parties in accordance with the first subparagraph.
Such a date may be before the date on which the amendment of the Specific agreement
enters into force.
II.15.3.3 Any costs incurred by the partner, during the period of suspension, for the implementation
of the suspended action or the suspended part thereof, shall not be reimbursed or covered
by the grant.
The right of the Agency to suspend the implementation of the action or the Framework
agreement is without prejudice to its right to terminate the Framework agreement or the
Specific agreement in accordance with Article II.16.2 and its right to reduce the grant or
recover amounts unduly paid in accordance with Articles II.25.4 and II.26.
Neither party shall be entitled to claim compensation on account of a suspension by the
other party.
ARTICLE II.16 – TERMINATION OF THE FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT AND THE
SPECIFIC AGREEMENTS
II.16.1 Termination of the Framework agreement or a Specific agreement by the partner
The partner may terminate the Framework agreement at any time by formally notifying the Agency
thereof, specifying the date on which the termination shall take effect. The notification shall be sent
before the termination is due to take effect. The partner shall complete the implementation of any
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Specific agreement, governed by the Framework agreement, which has entered into force before the
date on which the termination of the Framework agreement takes effect.
In duly justified cases the partner may terminate a Specific agreement by formally notifying the
Agency thereof, stating clearly the reasons and specifying the date on which the termination shall take
effect. The notification shall be sent before the termination is due to take effect.
If no reasons are given or if the Agency considers that the reasons exposed cannot justify the
termination, it shall formally notify the partner, specifying the grounds thereof, and the Specific
agreement shall be deemed to have been terminated improperly, with the consequences set out in the
third subparagraph of Article II.16.3.
II.16.2 Termination of the Framework agreement or a Specific agreement by the Agency
II.16.2.1 The Agency may decide to terminate the Framework agreement at any time by formally
notifying the partner thereof, specifying the date on which the termination shall take
effect. The notification shall be sent before the termination is due to take effect. Without
prejudice to its right to terminate a Specific agreement according to Article II.16.2.2 and
the effects of such a termination according to Article II.16.3, the Agency shall honour its
obligations arising from the implementation of any Specific agreement, governed by the
Framework agreement, which has entered into force before the date on which the
termination of the Framework agreement takes effect.
II.16.2.2 The Agency may decide to terminate the Framework agreement or a Specific agreement
in the following circumstances:
(a) if a change to the partner’s legal, financial, technical, organisational or ownership
situation is likely to affect the implementation of the Framework agreement or the
Specific agreement substantially or calls into question the Agency's decision to
establish the framework partnership or to award the specific grant;
(b) if the partner does not implement the action as specified in Annex I of the Specific
agreement or fails to comply with another substantial obligation incumbent on it
under the terms of the Framework agreement or the Specific agreement;
(c) in the event of force majeure, notified in accordance with Article II.14, or in the
event of suspension by the partner as a result of exceptional circumstances,
notified in accordance with Article II.15, where resuming the implementation is
impossible or where the necessary modifications to the Framework agreement or
the Specific agreement would call into question the Agency's decision to establish
the framework partnership or to award the specific grant or would result in unequal
treatment of applicants;
(d) if the partner is declared bankrupt, is being wound up, is having its affairs
administered by the courts, has entered into an arrangement with creditors, has
suspended business activities, is the subject of any other similar proceedings
concerning those matters, or is in an analogous situation arising from a similar
procedure provided for in national legislation or regulations;
(e) if the partner or any related person, as defined in the second subparagraph, have
been found guilty of professional misconduct proven by any means;
(f) if the partner is not in compliance with its obligations relating to the payment of
social security contributions or the payment of taxes in accordance with the legal
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provisions of the country in which it is established or in which the action is
implemented;
(g) if the Agency has evidence that the partner or any related person, as defined in the
second subparagraph, have committed fraud, corruption, or are involved in a
criminal organisation, money laundering or any other illegal activity detrimental to
the Union's financial interests;
(h) if the Agency has evidence that the partner or any related person, as defined in the
second subparagraph, have committed substantial errors, irregularities or fraud in
the award procedure or in the implementation of the Framework agreement or the
Specific agreement, including in the event of submission of false information or
failure to submit required information in order to establish the framework
partnership with the Agency or to obtain a specific grant; or
(i) if the Agency has evidence that the partner has committed systemic or recurrent
errors, irregularities, fraud or breach of obligations under other grants funded by
the Union or the European Atomic Energy Community which were awarded to the
partner under similar conditions, provided that those errors, irregularities, fraud or
breach of obligations have a material impact on a specific grant awarded under the
Framework agreement.
For the purposes of points (e), (g) and (h), "any related person" shall mean any natural
person who has the power to represent the partner or to take decisions on its behalf.
II.16.2.3 Before terminating the Framework agreement or a Specific agreement in accordance with
Article II.16.2.2, the Agency shall formally notify the partner of its intention to
terminate, specifying the reasons thereof and inviting the partner, within 45 calendar
days from receipt of the notification, to submit observations and, in the case of point (b)
of Article II.16.2.2, to inform the Agency about the measures taken to ensure that it
continues to fulfil its obligations under the agreement concerned.
If, after examination of the observations submitted by the partner, the Agency decides to
stop the termination procedure, it shall formally notify the partner thereof.
If no observations have been submitted or if, despite the observations submitted by the
partner, the Agency decides to pursue the termination procedure, it may terminate the
Framework agreement or the Specific agreement by formally notifying the partner
thereof, specifying the reasons for the termination.
In the cases referred to in points (a), (b), (d) and (f) of Article II.16.2.2, the formal
notification shall specify the date on which the termination takes effect. In the cases
referred to in points (c), (e), (g), (h) and (i) of Article II.16.2.2, the termination shall take
effect on the day following the date on which the formal notification was received by the
partner.
II.16.3 Effects of termination
Where a Specific Agreement is terminated, payments by the Agency shall be limited to the amount
determined in accordance with Article II.25 on the basis of the eligible costs incurred by the partner
and the actual level of implementation of the action on the date when the termination takes effect.
Costs relating to current commitments, which are not due for execution until after the termination,
shall not be taken into account. The partner shall have 60 days from the date when the termination of
the Specific agreement takes effect, as provided for in Articles II.16.1 and II.16.2.3, to produce a
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request for payment of the balance in accordance with Article II.23.2. If no request for payment of the
balance is received within this time limit, the Agency shall not reimburse or cover any costs which are
not included in a financial statement approved by it or which are not justified in a technical report
approved by it. In accordance with Article II.26, the Agency shall recover any amount already paid, if
its use is not substantiated by the technical reports and, where applicable, by the financial statements
approved by the Agency.
Where the Agency, in accordance with point (b) of Article II.16.2.2, is terminating the Specific
agreement on the grounds that the partner has failed to produce the request for payment and, after a
reminder, has still not complied with this obligation within the deadline set out in Article II.23.3, the
first subparagraph shall apply, subject to the following:
(a) there shall be no additional time period from the date when the termination of the Specific
agreement takes effect for the partner to produce a request for payment of the balance in
accordance with Article II.23.2; and
(b) the Agency shall not reimburse or cover any costs incurred by the partner up to the date of
termination or up to the end of the period set out in Article 2.2 of the Specific agreement,
whichever is the earlier, which are not included in a financial statement approved by it or which
are not justified in a technical report approved by it.
In addition to the first and second subparagraphs, where the Specific agreement is terminated
improperly by the partner within the meaning of Article II.16.1, or where the Specific agreement is
terminated by the Agency on the grounds set out in points (b), (e), (g), (h) and (i) of Article II.16.2.2,
the Agency may also reduce the specific grant or recover amounts unduly paid in accordance with
Articles II.25.4 and II.26, in proportion to the gravity of the failings in question and after allowing the
partner to submit its observations.
Neither party shall be entitled to claim compensation by the other party on account of a termination of
the Framework agreement or a Specific agreement.
ARTICLE II.17 – ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL PENALTIES
II.17.1 By virtue of Articles 109 and 131(4) Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable
to the general budget of the Union and with due regard to the principle of proportionality, if
the partner has committed substantial errors, irregularities or fraud, has made false
declarations in supplying required information or has failed to supply such information at
the moment of the submission of an application or during the implementation of the
Framework agreement or a Specific agreement, or has been found in serious breach of its
obligations under the Framework agreement or a Specific agreement, it shall be liable to:
(a) administrative penalties consisting of exclusion from all contracts and grants financed
by the Union budget for a maximum of five years from the date on which the
infringement is established and confirmed following a contradictory procedure with
the partner; and/or
(b) financial penalties of 2% to 10% of the maximum amount of the specific grant in
question as set out in Article 3 of the Specific agreement concerned.
In the event of another infringement within five years following the establishment of the
first infringement, the period of exclusion under point (a) may be extended to 10 years and
the range of the rate referred to in point (b) may be increased to 4% to 20%.
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II.17.2 The Agency shall formally notify the partner of any decision to apply such penalties.
The Agency is entitled to publish such decision under the conditions and within the limits
specified in Article 109(3) Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.
An action may be brought against such decision before the General Court of the European
Union, pursuant to Article 263 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
("TFEU").
ARTICLE II.18 – APPLICABLE LAW, SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES AND
ENFORCEABLE DECISION
II.18.1 The Framework agreement and any Specific agreement are governed by the applicable
Union law complemented, where necessary, by the law of Belgium.
II.18.2 Pursuant to Article 272 TFEU, the General Court or, on appeal, the Court of Justice of the
European Union, shall have sole jurisdiction to hear any dispute between the Agency and/or
the Union and the partner concerning the interpretation, application or validity of the
Framework agreement or any Specific agreement, if such dispute cannot be settled
amicably.
II.18.3 By virtue of Article 299 TFEU, for the purposes of recoveries within the meaning of Article
II.26 or financial penalties, the Commission may adopt an enforceable decision to impose
pecuniary obligations on persons other than States. An action may be brought against such
decision before the General Court of the European Union pursuant to Article 263 TFEU.
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PART B – FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
ARTICLE II.19 – ELIGIBLE COSTS
II.19.1 Conditions for the eligibility of costs
"Eligible costs" of the action are costs actually incurred by the partner which meet the following
criteria:
(a) they are incurred in the period of the period duration set out in Article 2.2 of the Specific
agreement, with the exception of costs relating to the request for payment of the balance and
the corresponding supporting documents referred to in Articles II.23.2 and 4.1 of the Specific
agreement;
(b) they are indicated in the estimated budget set out in Annex II of the Specific agreement;
(c) they are incurred in connection with the action as described in Annex I of the Specific
agreement and are necessary for its implementation;
(d) they are identifiable and verifiable, in particular being recorded in the accounting records of the
partner and determined according to the applicable accounting standards of the country where
the partner is established and with the usual cost accounting practices of the partner;
(e) they comply with the requirements of applicable tax and social legislation; and
(f) they are reasonable, justified, and comply with the principle of sound financial management, in
particular regarding economy and efficiency.
II.19.2 Eligible direct costs
"Direct costs" of the action are those specific costs which are directly linked to the implementation of
the action and can therefore be attributed directly to it. They may not include any indirect costs.
To be eligible, direct costs shall comply with the conditions of eligibility set out in Article II.19.1.
In particular, the following categories of costs are eligible direct costs, provided that they satisfy the
conditions of eligibility set out in Article II.19.1 as well as the following conditions:
(a) the costs of personnel working under an employment contract with the partner or an equivalent
appointing act and assigned to the action, comprising actual salaries plus social security
contributions and other statutory costs included in the remuneration, provided that these costs
are in line with the partner's usual policy on remuneration; those costs may also include
additional remunerations, including payments on the basis of supplementary contracts
regardless of the nature of those contracts, provided that they are paid in a consistent manner
whenever the same kind of work or expertise is required, independently from the source of
funding used.
The corresponding salary costs of personnel of national administrations are eligible to the
extent that they relate to the costs of activities which the relevant public authority would not
carry out if the action concerned was not undertaken;
(b) costs of travel and related subsistence allowances, provided that these costs are in line with the
partner's usual practices on travel and do not exceed the scales approved annually by the
Commission, if any;
(c) the depreciation costs of equipment or other assets (new or second-hand) as recorded in the
accounting statements of the partner, provided that the asset has been purchased in accordance
with Article II.9 and that it is written off in accordance with the international accounting
standards and the usual accounting practices of the partner; the costs of rental or lease of
equipment or other assets are also eligible, provided that these costs do not exceed the
depreciation costs of similar equipment or assets and are exclusive of any finance fee;
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Only the portion of the equipment's depreciation, rental or lease costs corresponding to the
period set out in Article 2.2 of the Specific agreement concerned and the rate of actual use for
the purposes of the action may be taken into account. By way of exception, the Special
Conditions or the Specific agreement may provide for the eligibility of the full cost of purchase
of equipment, where justified by the nature of the action and the context of the use of the
equipment or assets.
(d) costs of consumables and supplies, provided that they are purchased in accordance with Article
II.9 and are directly assigned to the action;
(e) costs arising directly from requirements imposed by the Framework Agreement or the Specific
agreement (dissemination of information, specific evaluation of the action, audits, translations,
reproduction), including the costs of requested financial guarantees, provided that the
corresponding services are purchased in accordance with Article II.9;
(f) costs entailed by subcontracts within the meaning of Article II.10, provided that the conditions
laid down in that Article are met;
(g) costs of financial support to third parties within the meaning of Article II.11, provided that the
conditions laid down in that Article are met;
(h) duties, taxes and charges paid by the partner, notably value added tax (VAT), provided that
they are included in eligible direct costs, and unless specified otherwise in the Special
Conditions or the Specific Agreement.
II.19.3 Eligible indirect costs
"Indirect costs" of the action are those costs which are not specific costs directly linked to the
implementation of the action and can therefore not be attributed directly to it. They may not include
any costs identifiable or declared as eligible direct costs.
To be eligible, indirect costs shall represent a fair apportionment of the overall overheads of the
partner and shall comply with the conditions of eligibility set out in Article II.19.1.
Unless otherwise specified in the Article 3 of the Specific agreement, eligible indirect costs shall be
declared on the basis of a flat rate of 7% of the total eligible direct costs.
II.19.4 Ineligible costs
In addition to any other costs which do not fulfill the conditions set out in Article II.19.1, the
following costs shall not be considered eligible:
(a) return on capital;
(b) debt and debt service charges;
(c) provisions for losses or debts;
(d) interest owed;
(e) doubtful debts;
(f) exchange losses;
(g) costs of transfers from the Agency charged by the bank of the partner;
(h) costs declared by the partner in the framework of another action receiving a grant financed
from the Union budget (including grants awarded by a Member State and financed from the
Union budget and grants awarded by other bodies than the Agency for the purpose of
implementing the Union budget); in particular, indirect costs shall not be eligible under a
specific grant for an action awarded to the partner when it already receives an operating grant
financed from the Union budget during the period in question;
(i) contributions in kind from third parties;
(j) excessive or reckless expenditure;
(k) deductible VAT.
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ARTICLE II.20 – IDENTIFIABILITY AND VERIFIABILITY OF THE AMOUNTS
DECLARED
II.20.1 Reimbursement of actual costs
Where, in accordance with Article 3(a)(i) of the Specific agreement, the grant takes the form
of the reimbursement of actual costs, the partner must declare as eligible costs the costs it
actually incurred for the action.
If requested to do so in the context of the checks or audits described in Article II.27, the
partner must be able to provide adequate supporting documents to prove the costs declared,
such as contracts, invoices and accounting records. In addition, the partner's usual
accounting and internal control procedures must permit direct reconciliation of the amounts
declared with the amounts recorded in its accounting statements as well as with the amounts
indicated in the supporting documents.
II.20.2 Reimbursement of pre-determined unit costs or pre-determined unit contribution
Where, in accordance with Article 3(a)(ii) or (b) of the Specific agreement, the grant takes
the form of the reimbursement of unit costs or a unit contribution, the partner must declare
as eligible costs or as requested contribution the amount obtained by multiplying the amount
per unit specified in Article 3(a)(ii) or (b) of the Specific agreement by the actual number of
units used or produced.
If requested to do so in the context of the checks or audits described in Article II.27, the
partner must be able to provide adequate supporting documents to prove the number of units
declared. However, the partner does not need to identify the actual eligible costs covered or
to provide supporting documents, notably accounting statements, to prove the amount
declared per unit.
II.20.3 Reimbursement of pre-determined lump sum costs or pre-determined lump sum
contribution
Where, in accordance with Article 3(a)(iii) or (c) of the Specific agreement, the grant takes
the form of the reimbursement of lump sum costs or a lump sum contribution, the partner
must declare as eligible costs or as requested contribution the global amount specified in
Article 3(a)(iii) or (c) of the Specific agreement, subject to the proper implementation of the
corresponding tasks or part of the action as described in Annex I to the Specific agreement.
If requested to do so in the context of the checks or audits described in Article II.27, the
partner must be able to provide adequate supporting documents to prove the proper
implementation. However, the partner does not need to identify the actual eligible costs
covered or to provide supporting documents, notably accounting statements, to prove the
amount declared as lump sum.
II.20.4 Reimbursement of pre-determined flat-rate costs or pre-determined flat-rate
contribution
Where, in accordance with Article 3(a)(iv) or (d) of the Specific agreement, the grant takes
the form of the reimbursement of flat-rate costs or a flat-rate contribution, the partner must
declare as eligible costs or as requested contribution the amount obtained by applying the
flat rate specified in Article 3(a)(iv) or (d) of the Specific agreement.
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If requested to do so in the context of the checks or audits described in Article II.27, the
partner must be able to provide adequate supporting documents to prove the eligible costs or
requested contribution to which the flat rate applies. However, the partner does not need to
identify the actual eligible costs covered or to provide supporting documents, notably
accounting statements, for the flat rate applied.
II.20.5 Reimbursement of costs declared on the basis of the partner's usual cost accounting
practices
Where, in accordance with Article 3(a)(v) of the Specific agreement, the grant takes the
form of the reimbursement of unit costs declared on the basis of the partner's usual cost
accounting practices, the partner must declare as eligible costs the amount obtained by
multiplying the amount per unit calculated in accordance with its usual cost accounting
practices by the actual number of units used or produced. If requested to do so in the context
of the checks or audits described in Article II.27, the partner must be able to provide
adequate supporting documents to prove the number of units declared.
Where, in accordance with Article 3(a)(v) of the Specific agreement, the grant takes the
form of the reimbursement of lump sum costs declared on the basis of the partner's usual
cost accounting practices, the partner must declare as eligible costs the global amount
calculated in accordance with its usual cost accounting practices, subject to the proper
implementation of the corresponding tasks or part of the action. If requested to do so in the
context of the checks or audits described in Article II.27, the partner must be able to provide
adequate supporting documents to prove the proper implementation.
Where, in accordance with Article 3(a)(v) of the Specific agreement, the grant takes the
form of the reimbursement of flat-rate costs declared on the basis of the partner's usual cost
accounting practices, the partner must declare as eligible costs the amount obtained by
applying the flat rate calculated in accordance with its usual cost accounting practices. If
requested to do so in the context of the checks or audits described in Article II.27, the
partner must be able to provide adequate supporting documents to prove the eligible costs to
which the flat rate applies.
In all three cases provided for in the first, second and third subparagraphs, the partner does
not need to identify the actual eligible costs covered, but it must ensure that the cost
accounting practices used for the purpose of declaring eligible costs are in compliance with
the following conditions:
(a) the cost accounting practices used constitute its usual cost accounting practices and
are applied in a consistent manner, based on objective criteria independent from the
source of funding;
(b) the costs declared can be directly reconciled with the amounts recorded in its general
accounts; and
(c) the categories of costs used for the purpose of determining the costs declared are
exclusive of any ineligible cost or costs covered by other forms of grant in accordance
with Article 3 of the Specific agreement.
Where the Special Conditions provide for the possibility for the partner to request the
Agency to assess the compliance of its usual cost accounting practices, the partner may
submit a request for assessment, which, where required by the Special Conditions, shall be
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accompanied by a certificate on the compliance of the cost accounting practices (“certificate
on the compliance of the cost accounting practices”).
The certificate on the compliance of the cost accounting practices shall be produced by an
approved auditor or, in case of public bodies, by a competent and independent public
officer.
The certificate shall certify that the partner's cost accounting practices used for the purpose
of declaring eligible costs comply with the conditions laid down in the fourth subparagraph
and with the additional conditions which may be laid down in the Special Conditions.
Where the Agency has confirmed that the usual cost accounting practices of the partner are
in compliance, costs declared in application of these practices shall not be challenged ex
post, provided that the practices actually used comply with those approved by the Agency
and that the partner did not conceal any information for the purpose of their approval.
ARTICLE II.21 – ELIGIBILITY OF COSTS OF ENTITIES AFFILIATED TO THE
PARTNER
Where the Special Conditions or the Specific agreement contain a provision on entities affiliated to
the partner, costs incurred by such an entity are eligible, provided that they satisfy the same conditions
under Articles II.19 and II.20 as apply to the partner, and that the partner ensures that the conditions
applicable to it under Articles II.3, II.4, II.5, II.7, II.9, II.10, and II.27 are also applicable to the entity.
ARTICLE II.22 – BUDGET TRANSFERS
Without prejudice to Article II.10 and provided that the action is implemented as described in Annex I
of the Specific agreement, the partner is allowed to adjust the estimated budget set out in Annex II of
the Specific agreement, by transfers between the different budget categories, without this adjustment
being considered as an amendment of the Specific agreement within the meaning of Article II.12.
The first subparagraph does not apply to amounts which, in accordance with Article 3(a)(iii) or (c) of
the Specific agreement, take the form of lump sums.
ARTICLE II.23 – TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL REPORTING – REQUESTS FOR
PAYMENT AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
II.23.1 Requests for further pre-financing payments and supporting documents
Where, in accordance with Article 4.1 of the Specific agreement, the pre-financing shall be paid in
several instalments and where Article 4.1 of the Specific agreement provides for a further pre-
financing payment subject to having used all or part of the previous instalment, the partner may
submit a request for a further pre-financing payment once the percentage of the previous instalment
specified in Article 4.1 of the Specific agreement has been used.
Where, in accordance with Article 4.1 of the Specific agreement, the pre-financing shall be paid in
several instalments and where Article 4.1 of the Specific agreement provides for a further pre-
financing payment at the end of a reporting period, the partner shall submit a request for a further pre-
financing payment within 60 days following the end of each reporting period for which a new pre-
financing payment is due.
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In both cases, the request shall be accompanied by the following documents:
(a) a progress report on implementation of the action (“technical report on progress”);
(b) a statement on the amount of the previous pre-financing instalment used to cover costs of the
action (“statement on the use of the previous pre-financing instalment”), drawn up in
accordance with Annex V; and
(c) where required by Article 4.1 of the Specific agreement, a financial guarantee.
II.23.2 Requests for interim payments or for payment of the balance and supporting
documents
The partner shall submit a request for an interim payment or for payment of the balance within 60
days following the end of each reporting period for which, in accordance with Article 4.1 of the
Specific agreement, an interim payment or the payment of the balance is due.
This request shall be accompanied by the following documents:
(a) an interim report (“interim technical report”) or, for the payment of the balance, a final report
on implementation of the action (“final technical report”), drawn up in accordance with Annex
IV; the interim or final technical report must contain the information needed to justify the
eligible costs declared or the contribution requested on the basis of unit costs and lump sums
where the grant takes the form of the reimbursement of unit or lump sum costs or of a unit or
lump sum contribution in accordance with Article 3(a)(ii), (iii), (b) or (c) of the Specific
agreement, as well as information on subcontracting as referred to in Article II.10.2(d);
(b) an interim financial statement (“interim financial statement”) or, for the payment of the
balance, a final financial statement (“final financial statement”); the interim or final financial
statements must include a breakdown of the amounts claimed by the partner and its affiliated
entities; it must be drawn up in accordance with the structure of the estimated budget set out in
Annex II of the Specific agreement and with Annex V and detail the amounts for each of the
forms of grant set out in Article 3 of the Specific agreement for the reporting period concerned;
(c) only for the payment of the balance, a summary financial statement (“summary financial
statement”); this statement must include a breakdown of the amounts declared or requested by
the partner and its affiliated entities, aggregating the financial statements already submitted
previously and indicating the receipts referred to in Article II.25.3.2 for the partner and its
affiliated entities; it must be drawn up in accordance with Annex V;
(d) where required by Article 4.1 of the Specific agreement or where both the total contribution in
the form of reimbursement of actual costs as referred to in Article 3(a)(i) of the Specific
agreement is at least EUR 750 000 and the partner requests a reimbursement in that form of at
least EUR 325 000 (when adding all previous reimbursements in that form for which a
certificate on the financial statements has not been submitted), a certificate on the financial
statements and underlying accounts (“certificate on the financial statements”);
This certificate shall be produced by an approved auditor or, in case of public bodies, by a
competent and independent public officer and drawn up in accordance with Annex VI. It shall
certify that the costs declared in the interim or final financial statement by the partner or its
affiliated entities for the categories of costs reimbursed in accordance with Article 3(a)(i) of the
Specific agreement are real, accurately recorded and eligible in accordance with the Framework
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agreement and the Specific agreement. In addition, for the payment of the balance, it shall
certify that all the receipts referred to in Article II.25.3.2 have been declared; and
(e) where required by Article 4.1 of the Specific agreement, an operational verification report
(“operational verification report”), produced by an independent third party approved by the
Agency and drawn up in accordance with Annex VII.
This report shall state that the actual implementation of the action as described in the interim or
final report complies with the conditions set out in the Framework agreement and the Specific
agreement.
The partner shall certify that the information provided in the request for interim payment or for
payment of the balance is full, reliable and true. It shall also certify that the costs incurred can be
considered eligible in accordance with Framework agreement and the Specific agreement and that the
request for payment is substantiated by adequate supporting documents that can be produced in the
context of the checks or audits described in Article II.27. In addition, for the payment of the balance,
it shall certify that all the receipts referred to in Article II.25.3.2 have been declared.
II.23.3 Non-submission of documents
Where the partner has failed to submit a request for interim payment or payment of the balance
accompanied by the documents referred to above within 60 days following the end of the
corresponding reporting period and where the partner still fails to submit such a request within 60
days following a written reminder sent by the Agency, the Agency reserves the right to terminate the
Specific agreement in accordance with Article II.16.2.2(b), with the effects described in the second
and the third subparagraphs of Article II.16.3.
II.23.4 Currency for requests for payment and financial statements and conversion into euro
Requests for payment and financial statements shall be drafted in euro.
Where the partner keeps its general accounts in a currency other than the euro, it shall convert costs
incurred in another currency into euro at the average of the daily exchange rates published in the C
series of Official Journal of the European Union, determined over the corresponding reporting period.
Where no daily euro exchange rate is published in the Official Journal of the European Union for the
currency in question, conversion shall be made at the average of the monthly accounting rates
established by the Commission and published on its website
(http://ec.europa.eu/budget/contracts_grants/info_contracts/inforeuro/inforeuro_en.cfm), determined
over the corresponding reporting period.
Where the partner keeps its general accounts in euro, it shall convert costs incurred in another
currency into euro according to its usual accounting practices.
ARTICLE II.24 – PAYMENTS AND PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS
II.24.1 Pre-financing
The pre-financing is intended to provide the partner with a float.
Without prejudice to Article II.24.6, where Article 4.1 of the Specific agreement provides for a pre-
financing payment upon entry into force of the Specific agreement, the Agency shall pay to the
partner within 30 days following that date or, where required by Article 4.1 of the Specific agreement,
following receipt of the financial guarantee.
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Where payment of pre-financing is conditional on receipt of a financial guarantee, the financial
guarantee shall fulfill the following conditions:
(a) it is provided by a bank or an approved financial institution or, at the request of the partner and
acceptance by the Agency, by a third party;
(b) the guarantor stands as first-call guarantor and does not require the Agency and/or the
Commission to have recourse against the principal debtor (i.e. the partner); and
(c) it provides that it remains in force until the pre-financing is cleared against interim payments or
payment of the balance by the Agency and, in case the payment of the balance is made in the
form of a debit note, three months after the debit note is notified to the partner. The Agency
shall release the guarantee within the following month.
II.24.2 Further pre-financing payments
Without prejudice to Articles II.24.5 and II.24.6, on receipt of the documents referred to in Article
II.23.1, the Agency shall pay to the partner the new pre-financing instalment within 60 days.
Where the statement on the use of the previous pre-financing instalment submitted in accordance with
Article II.23.1 shows that less than 70% of the previous pre-financing instalment paid has been used
to cover costs of the action, the amount of the new pre-financing to be paid shall be reduced by the
difference between the 70% threshold and the amount used.
II.24.3 Interim payments
Interim payments are intended to reimburse or cover the eligible costs incurred for the implementation
of the action during the corresponding reporting periods.
Without prejudice to Articles II.24.5 and II.24.6, on receipt of the documents referred to in Article
II.23.2, the Agency shall pay to the partner the amount due as interim payment within the time limit
specified in Article 4.2 of the Specific agreement.
This amount shall be determined following approval of the request for interim payment and of the
accompanying documents and in accordance with the fourth, fifth and sixth subparagraphs. Approval
of the request for interim payment and of the accompanying documents shall not imply recognition of
the regularity or of the authenticity, completeness and correctness of the declarations and information
it contains.
Without prejudice to any ceiling set out in Article 4.1 of the Specific agreement and to Articles II.24.5
and II.24.6, the amount due as interim payment shall be determined as follows:
(a) where, in accordance with Article 3(a) of the Specific agreement, the grant takes the form of the
reimbursement of eligible costs, the amount obtained by application of the reimbursement rate
specified in that Article to the eligible costs of the action approved by the Agency for the
concerned reporting period and the corresponding categories of costs, for the partner and its
affiliated entities; if Article 4.1 of the Specific agreement specifies another reimbursement rate,
this other rate shall be applied instead;
(b) where, in accordance with Article 3(b) of the Specific agreement, the grant takes the form of a
unit contribution, the amount obtained by multiplying the unit contribution specified in that
Article by the actual number of units approved by the Agency for the concerned reporting
period for the partner and its affiliated entities;
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(c) where, in accordance with Article 3(c) of the Specific agreement, the grant takes the form of a
lump sum contribution, the lump sum specified in that Article for the partner and its affiliated
entities, subject to approval by the Agency of the proper implementation during the concerned
reporting period of the corresponding tasks or part of the action in accordance with Annex I of
the Specific agreement;
(d) where, in accordance with Article 3(d) of the Specific agreement, the grant takes the form of a
flat-rate contribution, the amount obtained by applying the flat rate referred to in that Article to
the eligible costs or to the contribution accepted by the Agency for the concerned reporting
period for the partner and its affiliated entities.
Where Article 3 of the Specific agreement provides for a combination of different forms of grant,
these amounts shall be added.
Where Article 4.1 of the Specific agreement requires that the interim payment clears all or part of the
pre-financing paid to the partner, the amount of pre-financing to be cleared shall be deducted from the
amount due as interim payment, as determined in accordance with the fourth and fifth subparagraphs.
II.24.4 Payment of the balance
The payment of the balance, which may not be repeated, is intended to reimburse or cover after the
end of the period set out in Article 2.2 of the Specific agreement the remaining part of the eligible
costs incurred by the partner for its implementation. Where the total amount of earlier payments is
greater than the final amount of the grant determined in accordance with Article II.25, the payment of
the balance may take the form of a recovery as provided for by Article II.26.
Without prejudice to Articles II.24.5 and II.24.6, on receipt of the documents referred to in Article
II.23.2, the Agency shall pay the amount due as the balance within the time limit specified in Article
4.2 of the Specific agreement.
This amount shall be determined following approval of the request for payment of the balance and of
the accompanying documents and in accordance with the fourth subparagraph. Approval of the
request for payment of the balance and of the accompanying documents shall not imply recognition of
the regularity or of the authenticity, completeness and correctness of the declarations and information
it contains.
The amount due as the balance shall be determined by deducting, from the final amount of the grant
determined in accordance with Article II.25, the total amount of pre-financing and interim payments
already made.
II.24.5 Suspension of the time limit for payment
The Agency may suspend the time limit for payment specified in Article 4.2 of the Specific agreement
or in Article II.24.2 at any time by formally notifying the partner that its request for payment cannot
be met, either because it does not comply with the provisions of the Framework agreement and the
Specific agreement, or because the appropriate supporting documents have not been produced, or
because there is doubt about the eligibility of the costs declared in the financial statement.
The partner shall be notified as soon as possible of any such suspension, together with the reasons
thereof.
Suspension shall take effect on the date when notification is sent by the Agency. The remaining
payment period shall start to run again from the date on which the requested information or revised
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documents are received or the necessary further verification, including on-the-spot checks, is carried
out. Where the suspension exceeds two months, the partner may request a decision by the Agency on
whether the suspension is to be continued.
Where the time limit for payment has been suspended following the rejection of one of the technical
reports or financial statements provided for by Article II.23 and the new report or statement submitted
is also rejected, the Agency reserves the right to terminate the Specific agreement in accordance with
Article II.16.2.2(b), with the effects described in Article II.16.3.
II.24.6 Suspension of payments
The Agency may, at any time during the implementation of a Specific agreement, suspend the pre-
financing payments, interim payments or payment of the balance:
(a) if the Agency has evidence that the partner has committed substantial errors, irregularities or
fraud in the award procedure or in the implementation of the grant, or if the partner fails to
comply with its obligations under the Framework agreement or the Specific agreement;
(b) if the Agency has evidence that the partner has committed systemic or recurrent errors,
irregularities, fraud or breach of obligations under other grants funded by the Union or by the
European Atomic Energy Community which were awarded to that partner under similar
conditions, provided that those errors, irregularities, fraud or breach of obligations have a
material impact on a specific grant awarded under the Framework agreement; or
(c) if the Agency suspects substantial errors, irregularities, fraud or breach of obligations
committed by the partner in the award procedure or in the implementation of the Framework
agreement or the Specific agreement and needs to verify whether they have actually occurred.
Before suspending payments, the Agency shall formally notify the partner of its intention to suspend
payments, specifying the reasons thereof and, in the cases referred to in points (a) and (b) of the first
subparagraph, the necessary conditions for resuming payments. The partner shall be invited to make
any observations within 30 calendar days from receipt of this notification.
If, after examination of the observations submitted by the partner, the Agency decides to stop the
procedure of payment suspension, the Agency shall formally notify the partner thereof.
If no observations have been submitted or if, despite the observations submitted by the partner, the
Agency decides to pursue the procedure of payment suspension, it may suspend payments by formally
notifying the partner, specifying the reasons for the suspension and, in the cases referred to in points
(a) and (b) of the first subparagraph, the definitive conditions for resuming payments or, in the case
referred to in point (c) of the first subparagraph, the indicative date of completion of the necessary
verification.
The suspension of payments shall take effect on the date when the notification is sent by the Agency.
In order to resume payments, the partner shall endeavour to meet the notified conditions as soon as
possible and shall inform the Agency of any progress made in this respect.
The Agency shall, as soon as it considers that the conditions for resuming payments have been met or
the necessary verification, including on-the-spot checks, has been carried out, formally notify the
partner thereof.
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During the period of suspension of payments and without prejudice to the right to suspend the
implementation in accordance with Article II.15.1 or to terminate the Specific agreement in
accordance with Article II.16.1, the partner is not entitled to submit any requests for payments and
supporting documents referred to in Article II.23.
The corresponding requests for payments and supporting documents may be submitted as soon as
possible after resumption of payments or may be included in the first request for payment due
following resumption of payments in accordance with the schedule laid down in Article 4 of the
Specific agreement.
II.24.7 Notification of amounts due
The Agency shall formally notify the amounts due, specifying whether it is a further pre-financing
payment, an interim payment or the payment of the balance. In the case of payment of the balance, it
shall also specify the final amount of the grant determined in accordance with Article II.25.
II.24.8 Interest on late payment
On expiry of the time limits for payment specified in Article 4.2 of the Specific agreement and in
Articles II.24.1 and II.24.2, and without prejudice to Articles II.24.5 and II.24.6, the partner is entitled
to interest on late payment at the rate applied by the European Central Bank for its main refinancing
operations in euros ("the reference rate"), plus three and a half points. The reference rate shall be the
rate in force on the first day of the month in which the time limit for payment expires, as published in
the C series of the Official Journal of the European Union.
The first subparagraph shall not apply where the partner is a Member State of the Union, including
regional and local government authorities and other public bodies acting in the name and on behalf of
the Member State.
The suspension of the time limit for payment in accordance with Article II.24.5 or of payment by the
Agency in accordance with Article II.24.6 may not be considered as late payment.
Interest on late payment shall cover the period running from the day following the due date for
payment, up to and including the date of actual payment as established in Article II.24.10. The interest
payable shall not be considered for the purposes of determining the final amount of grant within the
meaning of Article II.25.3.
By way of derogation from the first subparagraph, when the calculated interest is lower than or equal
to EUR 200, it shall be paid to the partner only upon request submitted within two months of
receiving late payment.
II.24.9 Currency for payments
Payments by the Agency shall be made in euro.
II.24.10 Date of payment
Payments by the Agency shall be deemed to be effected on the date when they are debited to the
Commission's account.
II.24.11 Costs of payment transfers
Costs of the payment transfers shall be borne in the following way:
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(a) costs of transfer charged by the bank of the Agency and/or the Commission shall be borne by
the Agency and/or the Commission;
(b) costs of transfer charged by the bank of the partner shall be borne by the partner;
(c) all costs of repeated transfers caused by one of the parties shall be borne by the party which
caused the repetition of the transfer.
ARTICLE II.25 – DETERMINING THE FINAL AMOUNT OF A SPECIFIC GRANT
II.25.1 Calculation of the final amount
Without prejudice to Articles II.25.2, II.25.3 and II.25.4, the final amount of the specific grant shall be
determined as follows:
(a) where, in accordance with Article 3(a) of the Specific agreement, the grant takes the form of the
reimbursement of eligible costs, the amount obtained by application of the reimbursement rate
specified in that Article to the eligible costs of the action approved by the Agency for the
corresponding categories of costs, for the partner and its affiliated entities;
(b) where, in accordance with Article 3(b) of the Specific agreement, the grant takes the form of a
unit contribution, the amount obtained by multiplying the unit contribution specified that
Article by the actual number of units approved by the Agency for the partner and its affiliated
entities;
(c) where, in accordance with Article 3(c) of the Specific agreement, the grant takes the form of a
lump sum contribution, the lump sum specified in that Article for the partner and its affiliated
entities, subject to approval by the Agency of the proper implementation of the corresponding
tasks or part of the action in accordance with Annex I of the Specific agreement;
(d) where, in accordance with Article 3(d) of the Specific agreement, the grant takes the form of a
flat-rate contribution, the amount obtained by applying the flat rate referred to in that Article to
the eligible costs or to the contribution accepted by the Agency for the partner and its affiliated
entities.
Where Article 3 of the Specific agreement provides for a combination of different forms of grant,
these amounts shall be added.
II.25.2 Maximum amount
The total amount paid to the partner by the Agency may in no circumstances exceed the maximum
amount specified in Article 3 of the Specific agreement.
Where the amount determined in accordance with Article II.25.1 exceeds this maximum amount, the
final amount of the grant shall be limited to the maximum amount specified in Article 3 of the
Specific agreement.
II.25.3 No-profit rule and taking into account of receipts
II.25.3.1 The specific grant may not produce a profit for the partner, unless specified otherwise in the
Special Conditions or the Specific agreement. "Profit" shall mean a surplus of the receipts
over the eligible costs of the action.
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II.25.3.2 The receipts to be taken into account are the receipts established, generated or confirmed on
the date on which the request for payment of the balance is drawn up by the partner, which
fall within one of the following two categories:
(a) income generated by the action; or
(b) financial contributions specifically assigned by the donors to the financing of the eligible
costs of the action reimbursed by the Agency in accordance with Article 3(a)(i) of the
Specific agreement.
II.25.3.3 The following shall not be considered as a receipt to be taken into account for the purpose of
verifying whether the grant produces a profit for the partner:
(a) financial contributions referred to in point (b) of Article II.25.3.2, which may be used by
the partner to cover costs other than the eligible costs under the Specific agreement;
(b) financial contributions referred to in point (b) of Article II.25.3.2, the unused part of
which is not due to the donor at the end of period set out in Article 2.2 of the Specific
agreement;
II.25.3.4 The eligible costs to be taken into account are the eligible costs approved by the Agency for
the categories of costs reimbursed in accordance with Article 3(a) of the Specific agreement.
II.25.3.5 Where the final amount of the grant determined in accordance with Articles II.25.1 and
II.25.2 would result in a profit for the partner, the profit shall be deducted in proportion to
the final rate of reimbursement of the actual eligible costs of the action approved by the
Agency for the categories of costs referred to in Article 3(a)(i) of the Specific agreement.
This final rate shall be calculated on the basis of the final amount of the grant in the form
referred to in Article 3(a)(i) of the Specific agreement, as determined in accordance with
Articles II.25.1 and II.25.2.
II.25.4 Reduction for poor, partial or late implementation
Without prejudice to the right to terminate the Framework agreement or a Specific agreement referred
to in Article II.16 and without prejudice to the right of the Agency to apply penalties referred to in
Article II.17, if the action is not implemented or is implemented poorly, partially or late, the Agency
may reduce the grant initially provided for, in line with the actual implementation of the action
according to the terms laid down in the Framework agreement and the Specific agreement.
ARTICLE II.26 – RECOVERY
II.26.1 Financial responsibility
Where an amount is to be recovered under the terms of the Framework agreement and any
Specific agreement, the partner shall repay the Agency the amount in question. The partner
shall be responsible for the repayment of any amount unduly paid by the Agency as a
contribution towards the costs incurred by its affiliated entities.
II.26.2 Recovery procedure
Before recovery, the Agency shall formally notify the partner of its intention to recover the
amount unduly paid, specifying the amount due and the reasons for recovery and inviting
the partner to make any observations within a specified period.
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If no observations have been submitted or if, despite the observations submitted by the
partner, the Agency decides to pursue the recovery procedure, the Agency may confirm
recovery by formally notifying to the partner a debit note (“debit note”), specifying the
terms and the date for payment.
If payment has not been made by the date specified in the debit note, the Agency shall
recover the amount due:
(a) by offsetting it against any amounts owed to the partner by the Union or the European
Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) (“offsetting”); in exceptional circumstances,
justified by the necessity to safeguard the financial interests of the Union, the Agency
may recover by offsetting before the due date; the partner’s prior consent shall not be
required; an action may be brought against such offsetting before the General Court of
the European Union pursuant to Article 263 TFEU;
(b) by drawing on the financial guarantee where provided for in accordance with Article
4.1 of the Specific agreement (“drawing on the financial guarantee”);
(c) by taking legal action in accordance with Article II.18.2 or with the Special
Conditions or by adopting an enforceable decision in accordance with Article II.18.3.
II.26.3 Interest on late payment
If payment has not been made by the date set out in the debit note, the amount due shall bear
interest at the rate established in Article II.24.8. Interest on late payment shall cover the
period running from the day following the due date for payment, up to and including the
date when the Agency and/or the Commission actually receives payment in full of the
outstanding amount.
Any partial payment shall first be appropriated against charges and interest on late payment
and then against the principal.
II.26.4 Bank charges
Bank charges incurred in connection with the recovery of the sums owed to the Agency
and/or the Commission shall be borne by the partner except where Directive 2007/64/EC of
the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2007 on payment services in
the internal market amending Directives 97/7/EC, 2002/65/EC, 2005/60/EC and 2006/48/EC
and repealing Directive 97/5/EC applies.
ARTICLE II.27 – CHECKS, AUDITS AND EVALUATION
II.27.1 Technical and financial checks or audits and interim and final evaluations
The Agency and/or the Commission may carry out technical and financial checks and audits in
relation to the use of a specific grant. It may also check the statutory records of the partner for the
purpose of periodic assessments of lump sum, unit cost or flat-rate amounts.
Information and documents provided in the framework of checks or audits shall be treated on a
confidential basis.
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In addition, the Agency and/or the Commission may carry out interim or final evaluation of the
impact of an action measured against the objective of the Union programme concerned.
Checks, audits or evaluations made by the Agency and/or the Commission may be carried out either
directly by its own staff or by any other outside body authorised to do so on its behalf.
Such checks, audits or evaluations may be initiated during the implementation of the Specific
agreement and for a period of five years starting from the date of payment of the balance for the
action concerned. This period shall be limited to three years if the maximum amount specified in
Article 3 of the Specific agreement is not more than EUR 60 000.
The check, audit or evaluation procedure shall be deemed to be initiated on the date of receipt of the
letter of the Agency or the Commission announcing it.
II.27.2 Duty to keep documents
The partner shall keep all original documents, especially accounting and tax records, stored on any
appropriate medium, including digitalised originals when they are authorised by its national law and
under the conditions laid down therein, for a period of five years starting from the date of payment of
the balance for the action concerned.
This period shall be limited to three years if the maximum amount specified in Article 3 of the
Specific agreement is not more than EUR 60 000.
The periods set out in the first and second subparagraphs shall be longer if there are on-going audits,
appeals, litigation or pursuit of claims concerning the grant, including in the case referred to in Article
II.27.7. In such cases, the partner shall keep the documents until such audits, appeals, litigation or
pursuit of claims are closed.
II.27.3 Obligation to provide information
The partner shall provide any information, including information in electronic format, requested by
the Agency and/or the Commission, or by any other outside body authorised by it, in the context of
checks, audits or evaluations as referred to in Article II.27.1.
In case the partner does not comply with the obligation set out in the first subparagraph, the Agency
and/or the Commission may consider:
(a) any cost insufficiently substantiated by information provided by the partner as ineligible;
(b) any unit, lump sum or flat-rate contribution insufficiently substantiated by information provided
by the partner as undue.
II.27.4 On-the-spot visits
During an on-the-spot visit, the partner shall allow Agency and/or Commission staff and outside
personnel authorised by the Agency and/or by the Commission to have access to the sites and
premises where the action concerned is or was carried out, and to all the necessary information,
including information in electronic format.
It shall ensure that the information is readily available at the moment of the on-the-spot visit and that
information requested is handed over in an appropriate form.
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In case the partner refuses to provide access to the sites, premises and information in accordance with
the first and second subparagraphs, the Agency and/or the Commission may consider:
(a) any cost insufficiently substantiated by information provided by the partner as ineligible;
(b) any unit, lump sum or flat-rate contribution insufficiently substantiated by information provided
by the partner as undue.
II.27.5 Contradictory audit procedure
On the basis of the findings made during the audit, a provisional report (“draft audit report”) shall be
drawn up. It shall be sent by the Agency and/or the Commission or its authorised representative to the
partner, which shall have 30 days from the date of receipt to submit observations. The final report
(“final audit report”) shall be sent to the partner within 90 days of expiry of the time limit for
submission of observations, unless the observations submitted by the partner lead to further audit
work, checks or discussions by the Agency and/or the Commission or its authorised representative.
II.27.6 Effects of audit findings
On the basis of the final audit findings, the Agency and/or the Commission may take the measures
which it considers necessary, including recovery of all or part of the payments made by it under the
Specific agreement concerned, in accordance with Article II.26.
In the case of final audit findings made after the payment of the balance, the amount to be recovered
shall correspond to the difference between the revised final amount of the specific grant, determined
in accordance with Article II.25, and the total amount paid to the partner under the Specific agreement
for the implementation of the action.
II.27.7 Correction of systemic or recurrent errors, irregularities, fraud or breach of obligations
II.27.7.1 The Agency and/or the Commission may take all measures which it considers necessary,
including recovery of all or part of the payments made by it under a Specific agreement,
in accordance with Article II.26, where the following conditions are fulfilled:
(a) the partner is found, on the basis of an audit of other grants awarded to it under
similar conditions, to have committed systemic or recurrent errors, irregularities,
fraud or breach of obligations that have a material impact on a specific grant
awarded under the Framework agreement; and
(b) the final audit report containing the findings of the systemic or recurrent errors,
irregularities, fraud or breach of obligations is received by the partner within the
period referred to in Article II.27.1.
II.27.7.2 The Agency and/or the Commission shall determine the amount to be corrected under the
Specific agreement concerned:
(a) wherever possible and practicable, on the basis of costs unduly declared as eligible under the
Specific agreement.
For that purpose, the partner shall revise the financial statements submitted under the Specific
agreement taking account of the findings and resubmit them to the Agency and/or the
Commission within 60 days from the date of receipt of the final audit report containing the
findings of the systemic or recurrent errors, irregularities, fraud or breach of obligations.
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In the case of systemic or recurrent errors, irregularities, fraud or breach of obligations found after
the payment of the balance, the amount to be recovered shall correspond to the difference between
the revised final amount of the specific grant concerned, determined in accordance with Article
II.25 on the basis of the revised eligible costs declared by the partner and approved by the Agency
and/or the Commission, and the total amount paid to the partner under the Specific agreement for
the implementation of the action;
(b) where it is not possible or practicable to quantify precisely the amount of ineligible costs under the
Specific agreement, by extrapolating the correction rate applied to the eligible costs for the grants
for which the systemic or recurrent errors or irregularities have been found.
The Agency and/or the Commission shall formally notify the extrapolation method to be applied
to the partner, which shall have 60 days from the date of receipt to submit observations and to
propose a duly substantiated alternative method.
If the Agency and/or the Commission accept the alternative method proposed by the partner, it
shall formally notify the partner thereof and determine the revised eligible costs by applying the
accepted alternative method.
If no observations have been submitted or if the Agency and/or the Commission does not accept
the observations or the alternative method proposed by the partner, the Agency and/or the
Commission shall formally notify the partner thereof and determine the revised eligible costs by
applying the extrapolation method initially notified to the partner.
In the case of systemic or recurrent errors, irregularities, fraud or breach of obligations found after
the payment of the balance, the amount to be recovered shall correspond to the difference between
the revised final amount of the specific grant concerned, determined in accordance with Article
II.25 on the basis of the revised eligible costs after extrapolation, and the total amount paid to the
partner under the Specific agreement for the implementation of the action; or
(c) where ineligible costs cannot serve as a basis for determining the amount to be corrected, by
applying a flat rate correction to the specific grant, having regard to the principle of
proportionality.
The Agency and/or the Commission shall formally notify the flat rate to be applied to the partner,
which shall have 60 days from the date of receipt to submit observations and to propose a duly
substantiated alternative flat rate.
If the Agency and/or the Commission accept the alternative flat rate proposed by the partner, it
shall formally notify the partner thereof and correct the grant amount by applying the accepted
alternative flat rate.
If no observations have been submitted or if the Agency and/or the Commission do not accept the
observations or the alternative flat rate proposed by the partner, the Agency and/or the
Commission shall formally notify the partner thereof and correct the grant amount by applying the
flat rate initially notified to the partner.
In the case of systemic or recurrent errors, irregularities, fraud or breach of obligations found after
the payment of the balance, the amount to be recovered shall correspond to the difference between
the revised final amount of the specific grant concerned after flat-rate correction and the total
amount paid to the partner under the Specific agreement for the implementation of the action.
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II.27.8 Checks and inspections by OLAF
The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) shall have the same rights as the Agency and the
Commission, notably right of access, for the purpose of checks and investigations.
By virtue of Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-
the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European
Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities and Regulation (EU,
EURATOM) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council of 11 September 2013
concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), OLAF may also
carry out on-the-spot checks and inspections in accordance with the procedures laid down by Union
law for the protection of the financial interests of the Union against fraud and other irregularities.
Where appropriate, OLAF findings may lead to recovery by the Agency and/or the Commission.
II.27.9 Checks and audits by the European Court of Auditors
The European Court of Auditors shall have the same rights as the Agency and/or the Commission,
notably right of access, for the purpose of checks and audits.
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Annex III
Model specific grant agreement
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Annex IV
Model technical report
The implementation of the action by the partner shall be subject of an interim technical report (if
requested in the Article 4.1 of the Specific Agreement) and the final technical report referred to in
Article 4.1 of the Specific Agreement.
The document template can be downloaded from the Culture web site (Beneficiary space):
http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe/beneficiaries-space_en
Any other documents or documentation will be rejected.
INTERIM TECHNICAL REPORT
Only if requested in the Article 4.1 of the Specific Agreement:
This report shall be submitted by the partner to the Agency in electronic format, when the partner
had used at least 50 % of the estimated eligible budget specified in Article 3 of the Specific
Agreement.
The document must be signed by the legal representative of the partner where foreseen.
The interim technical report shall consist of two parts:
PART ONE
The interim technical report to be downloaded at the Executive Agency's web page providing
information about the implementation of project activities and an overall evaluation of the results
of the project.
The link to the document can be found at the Culture unit's web site under the 'Beneficiaries
space'.
PART TWO
Electronic copies of all project products (i.e. publication, brochure, poster, invitation, DVD,
CDrom, T-shirt).
FINAL TECHNICAL REPORT
The report shall be submitted by the partner to the Agency in electronic format, within two months
following the end of the eligibility period referred to in Article I.2.2.
The document must be signed by the legal representative of the partner where foreseen.
The final technical report shall consist of two parts:
PART ONE
The final technical report to be downloaded at the Executive Agency's web page providing
information about the implementation of project activities and an overall evaluation of the results
of the project including a public summary in English providing information about the work done
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and the results of the project. This summary will be transferred automatically to the dissemination
tool of the European Commission after approval of the final report.
The link to the document can be found at the Culture unit's web site under the 'Beneficiaries space'.
PART TWO
Electronic copies of all project products (i.e. publication, brochure, poster, invitation, DVD,
CDrom, T-shirt).
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Annex V
Model financial statement
The implementation and realisation of the action by the partner shall be subject of an interim financial
statement (if requested in the Article 4.1 of the Specific Agreement) and a final financial statement
referred to in Articles 4.1 of the Specific Agreement.
The document template can be downloaded from the Culture web site (Beneficiary space):
http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe/beneficiaries-space_en
Any other documents or documentation will be rejected.
INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Only if requested in the Article 4.1 of the Specific Agreement:
This report shall be submitted by the partner to the Agency in electronic format, when the partner
had used at least 50 % of the estimated eligible budget specified in Article I.3.
1) The interim statement must be submitted in Euro and must be signed by the legal
representative of the partner. A separate scanned copy of the 'Overview – Financial Statement' page
clearly showing this signature is required in addition to the electronic version.
2) The interim financial statement must give details of the receipts and expenditure incurred for
activities taking place within the period of eligibility covered by the Specific Agreement ("List of
invoices and income") by the partner in carrying out the activities in accordance with the conditions
set down in this Specific Agreement and its Annexes.
FINAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The report shall be submitted by the partner to the Agency in electronic format, within two months
following the end of the eligibility period referred to in Article 2.2 of the Specific Agreement.
1) The financial statement must be submitted in Euro and must be signed by the legal representative
of the partner and the auditor. A separate scanned copy of the 'Overview – Financial Statement'
page clearly showing these signatures are required in addition to the electronic version.
2) The final financial statement must give details of the receipts and expenditure incurred for
activities taking place within the period of eligibility covered by the Specific Agreement ("List of
invoices and income") by the partner in carrying out the activities in accordance with the
conditions set down in this Specific Agreement and its Annexes.
3) The final financial statement must be accompanied by:
- for a grant les or equal to EUR 60.000: a list of supporting documents as mentioned in the
annex VI
- for a grant more than EUR 60.000 and less than EUR 750.000: a document called Report of
Factual Findings on the Final Financial Report – Type I established by an external
independent auditor in accordance with the template that can be downloaded from the Culture
web site 'Beneficiary space'. See Annex VI of the Framework partnership agreement. It shall
be attached to the request for final payment made by the partner and shall certify, that the
costs declared by the partner in the financial report on which the request of payment is based
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are real, accurately recorded and eligible and that all receipts have been declared, in
accordance with the Framework partnership agreement (Annex V and List of invoices and
income).
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Annex VI
a. For grants for which the total contribution in the form of reimbursement of actual costs
as referred to in Article 3(a)(i) of the Specific Grant Agreement is less than or equal to
EUR 60.000 please refer to following procedure:
For the grants below or equal to EUR 60.000 a sample of supporting documents shall be
submitted with the Final Financial Report. This sample has the aim of providing the Agency
with a reasonable assurance on the quality and availability of the documents supporting the
claimed costs and justifying their eligibility.
The following supporting documents shall be systematically requested for the three budget
headings/items set out in the previous section:
1) Staff costs: employment contract (or equivalent document), pay slips (or remuneration’s
receipts), proof of payments and the time sheets or equivalent documents showing the
manpower’s work effort (i.e. number of working days);
2) Subcontracting: contracts, invoices and proofs of payments;
3) Travel and subsistence: copy of tickets and boarding passes, hotel invoices and proof of
payments.
The following sample of supporting documents should be requested to the beneficiary:
Budget item/heading Sample to be annexed to the Final Financial Report
Staff The three highest consolidated staff costs (i.e. staff member costs)
for the whole eligibility period
Subcontracting The three highest value subcontracts
Travel and subsistence 25% of the highest costs declared under this budget item
If the Agency identifies a relevant risk associated to a budget item/heading other than the
three mentioned above, the Agency may request the necessary supporting documents also for
this further budget item/heading.
b. For grants for which the total contribution in the form of reimbursement of actual costs
as referred to in Article 3(a)(i) of the Specific Grant Agreement is more than EUR
60.000 and less than EUR 750.000 please refer to following procedure:
The guidance note and template of the Report of Factual Findings on the Final Financial
Report – Type I can be downloaded from the following link:
http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/about-eacea/document-register_en#financial
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Annex VII
Model terms of reference for the operational verification report: not applicable